Magic gangster

The streets of Dustvale were quiet as Rod made his way back toward his usual haunts, his mind heavy with thoughts of what had just transpired. The encounter with Billy and his gang had left him feeling a mixture of satisfaction and unease. His powers had given him the upper hand, but the ease with which he had wielded them was a reminder of their growing presence in his life. It wasn't just about survival anymore—his abilities had become a weapon, one that demanded careful control.

He pushed open the door to a dimly lit tavern nestled in the shadow of a crumbling brick building. The place was almost empty, save for a few regulars nursing their drinks in silence. Rod moved to the bar and nodded at the barkeep, a burly man with a thick mustache and a scar running down his cheek.

"Whiskey," Rod said, sliding a coin across the counter.

The barkeep raised an eyebrow but didn't ask questions. He poured a glass and set it in front of Rod, who took a slow sip, letting the warmth spread through him.

As he sat there, his mind returned to the Viper gang. Taking down Billy's crew had been satisfying, but they were small-time compared to what lay ahead. Old Smoke wasn't just a gang leader; he was a force of nature in Dustvale, feared and respected by everyone. If Rod wanted to challenge him, he needed to be ready for the full weight of the Viper gang's retaliation.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice the slim figure that slipped into the seat beside him.

"Well, if it isn't the new talk of the town," a soft, accented voice said.

Rod turned to see Li, her dark eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and mischief. Her presence was both a surprise and a welcome distraction.

"You heard about that already?" Rod asked, taking another sip of whiskey.

Li smirked. "Word travels fast when someone puts Billy Crane and his goons in their place. You've got people talking, Rod. Not just the small fish, either."

Rod leaned back in his chair, studying her. "And what are they saying?"

"They're saying you've got guts," she replied. "And power. The kind that makes people nervous."

Rod frowned, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "Nervous people do stupid things. I need to be careful."

Li nodded, her expression growing serious. "That's true. But nervous people also talk. If you're planning to take on Old Smoke, you've got to move fast. The Vipers won't wait for you to make the first move."

Rod sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know. That's what I've been thinking about. I need a plan."

Li leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "There's a shipment coming in tomorrow night. Guns, whiskey, maybe even some cash. If you hit it, you'll hurt Old Smoke where it counts—and you'll send a message."

Rod raised an eyebrow. "How do you know about that?"

Li shrugged, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I have my ways. Let's just say I've been keeping an eye on the Vipers, too."

Rod considered her words, the wheels in his mind turning. A direct attack on one of Old Smoke's operations would be risky, but it could also be the opportunity he needed to make a statement.

"Where's the shipment coming in?" he asked.

"Down by the old train yard," Li said. "Midnight. They'll have guards, but nothing you can't handle."

Rod nodded, his decision made. "All right. I'll do it."

Li's smile widened. "Good. But be careful, Rod. The Vipers don't play fair."

"I wouldn't expect them to," Rod said, finishing his drink. "Thanks for the tip."

Li watched him for a moment, her expression unreadable. "Just don't get yourself killed, okay? I'd hate to lose such an interesting ally."

Rod smirked. "I'll do my best."

The next day passed in a blur of preparation. Rod spent hours scoping out the train yard, noting the positions of the guards and the layout of the area. He sharpened his focus, going over every detail of his plan until he was confident he could pull it off.

When midnight arrived, he was ready.

The train yard was bathed in the dim glow of lanterns, the air thick with the smell of oil and rust. Rod crouched behind a stack of crates, his eyes fixed on the group of men unloading the shipment. There were six of them, armed and alert, but their movements were sluggish, their guard down.

Rod took a deep breath, feeling the familiar surge of power coursing through him. He closed his eyes for a moment, centering himself, then stepped out of the shadows.

The first guard didn't see him coming. Rod moved swiftly, striking with precision and dropping the man before he could make a sound. The others turned at the noise, their shouts ringing out as they drew their weapons.

But Rod was already in motion.

He raised his hand, and a gust of wind swept through the yard, scattering crates and throwing the guards off balance. He followed up with a burst of fire, the flames lighting up the night and sending the men scrambling for cover.

One of the guards managed to get a shot off, the bullet whizzing past Rod's ear, but he didn't flinch. He focused his energy, sending a crackling arc of electricity through the air. The guard dropped his weapon, convulsing before collapsing to the ground.

The remaining men fled, their courage evaporating in the face of Rod's power. He stood alone in the train yard, his breathing heavy but steady, his heart pounding with the thrill of victory.

He approached the shipment, prying open one of the crates to reveal a cache of rifles and ammunition. It was a treasure trove of firepower, enough to tip the balance of power in Dustvale.

Rod allowed himself a small smile. This was just the beginning.

By the time he returned to his hideout, the adrenaline had worn off, leaving him exhausted but satisfied. He had made his move, and the Vipers would feel the sting.

As he lay down to rest, his thoughts drifted to Li. Her tip had been invaluable, but her motives remained a mystery. She was an enigma, one he couldn't quite figure out—but for now, she was an ally, and that was enough.

Rod closed his eyes, the faint hum of his powers lulling him to sleep. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready for whatever came next.